The Best Full Face Helmets for 2021
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 400+ Helmets Since 2000
Entry-Level
Priced under $300, these helmets are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $300-$500, these helmets are feature rich and offer excellent protection.
High-End
Priced $500 and up. Simply the best of what is available in the full face segment.
A note about our recommendations:
There’s a lot of fake “review sites” online today. We get it. We aren’t one of them. Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $300
Best Entry Level Full Face Helmets
Bell RS-2
Price: $299
Where to Buy
Why?
This DOT and ECE certified helmet comes with the convenience features most riders want in a full face: an integrated sun visor, light weight, and solid construction. Two separate reviewers tested it and both thought it that it was a solid helmet. Be warned: it’s loud, so either wear earplugs or considering in a mid-range/higher-end helmet that is better at managing road noise.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.28lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
During her review last year, Donna commented that the face port is super huge and offers riders great visibility. She also noted that the quality of construction is far higher than helmets in this segment are typically known for. Read the full 1,500+ word review.
Scorpion EXO-R710
Price: $199
Where to Buy
Why?
This $200 helmet is a value superstar. At least, that’s what Cameron declared when it reviewed it in May of this year. Excellent ventilation, good construction, and awesome aggressive looks. However, it’s also pretty noisy and it doesn’t come with an internal sun shade. But… it’s SNELL certified!
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.6lbs
- DOT & SNELL certified
Our In-Depth Review
If you want an inexpensive helmet that looks great and will keep you cool, you won’t find a better helmet for $200. Period. Don’t believe us? Read 2,000+ words explaining why.
Icon Airflite
Price: $250
Where to Buy
Why?
This lid is an excellent affordable helmet with numerous features, a comfortable fit, and a very reasonable price. The helmet features a very large and oddly shaped face shield that you can get in a variety of colors.
The Airflite also gets a polycarbonate shell that comes in three different sizes, large air vents, a fog-free inner sun visor, removable side plates, a molded breath deflector, chin curtain, and a Hydradry moisture-wicking liner that’s removable and washable.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.74 lbs
- DOT certified
In-Depth Review
Kathy was able to review this helmet and she came away impressed with the lid. It’s a lid that kind of defies expectation. It also doesn’t fit into a specific style of riding easily. Kathy found it to be comfortable and high-quality. However, she did note that the lid is a little heavier than some other options out there and the chin bar is just a little bigger overall than the other lids out there. Otherwise, if you like to look, this is a fantastic choice.
Priced $300 – $500
Best Mid-Range Full Face Helmets
Shoei RF-1200
Price: $498
Where to Buy
Why?
This SNELL rated full face from Shoei is legendary. Now entering its sixth year on the market, few helmets do everything this helmet does as good as it does it. The RF-1200 is hard to beat for the price.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.5lbs
- DOT & SNELL certified
Our In-Depth Review
Originally reviewed in 2013, the RF-1200 remains a heavyweight in the segment due to its exceptional fit and finish, good looks, and optical quality. It doesn’t quite compete with some higher-end helmets, but it comes close to helmets costing 50% more. Read the in-depth review.
AGV K6
Price: $449.95
Where to Buy
Why?
I decided to drop the Schuberth R2 from this list due to limited availability and replace it with a much better overall helmet anyway. The AGV K6 is a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll explain why.
Have a carbon fiber helmet option in the sub $500 price range is one thing, but having a full face DOT and ECE approved helmet come in under 3 pounds is just insane. This helmet, despite its wickedly rigid construction, manages to tip the scales at a meager 2.95 lb. That’s lighter than some of the best open-faced helmets available.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.69 lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Coming Q2 2021!
HJC RPHA70
Price: $375
Where to Buy
Why?
The RPHA70 is HJC’s latest offering in the mid-range segment and it definitely punches above its weight (and price). It brings a lot of value, with an included anti-fog insert, and integrated sunshade, and excellent ventilation. It’s hard to beat a combination like that.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.4lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Made in Korea, this HJC was reviewed hands-on by Brandon back in January of 2018. He loved how smooth the visor controls were and how freely it flowed air. Fit and finish was also impressive, though he noted that he wished accessing the lower vent was less of a hassle. Read the full review.
Shoei RF-SR
Price: $419
Where to Buy
Why?
The RF-SR was made with quiet and comfortable riding in mind. Just look at the shell design; sleek and line-free for aerodynamic greatness developed through tons of wind-tunnel testing.
This is the cheapest price point you will ever find a Shoei helmet at, and despite being a cheaper alternative to the RF-1200, you won’t be missing out on much. It’s quiet, safe, and even features replaceable cheek pads so you can get the perfect fit for you.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.66 lbs
- DOT and SNELL M2015 certified
Our In-Depth Review
Rick gave one of the deepest reviews we’ve ever seen posted to the WBW blog regarding the Shoei RF-SR. He said, “The Shoei RF-SR is an excellent introduction to the Shoei family. It has just about everything you need and nothing you don’t, making it difficult to pay more and get, well, just a little more.” Read the full review here.
Priced $500+
Best High-End Full Face Helmets
Shoei GT-Air II
Where to Buy
Price: $599
Why?
Considered by many to be the “ultimate” all-arounder, the GT-Air II is an extremely aerodynamic helmet affords wearers excellent airflow and road-noise management. As we have come to expect from Shoei, the quality of build is second-to-none. This is the high-end helmet to buy.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.8lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
The GT Air II is the ideal sequel to the renowned GT Air, and when paired with the SENA SRL2, the GT Air II becomes a capable and connected helmet. The GT Air II is quiet and feature-rich, proving once again that Shoei makes some of the best helmets in the business. Read the complete Shoei GT Air II review.
Arai Signet-X
Price: $629
Where to Buy
Why?
If you’ve got a narrow (long oval) head shape, this is the helmet to wear. It has the signature Arai fit as well as the handmade quality that can only come from something artisan-made. Exceptional heat management comes standard, as does a clear Pinlock insert for fog control. A great helmet, without question.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: long oval
- Weight: 3.5lbs
- Price range: Under $700
- DOT & SNELL certified
Our In-Depth Review
The Arai Signet-X is the answer for riders with “Narrow” head shapes and it brings all of the new Arai “X” features to their “Long Oval” head shape helmet, completing the triumvirate. Read the full 3,000+ word review.
Arai Regent-X
Price: $559.95
Where to Buy
Why?
The helmet features a PB-cLc shell that comes in four sizes. The shell’s shape is rounded—an Arai trick that’s designed to allow things to glance off the helmet. The lid also gets multi-layer EPS, good ventilation, an anti-microbial liner that is removable and washable, Snell certification, and a wider opening to make the helmet a little easier to get on and take off (a big complaint of other Arai lids from some folks).
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.41lbs
- DOT & SNELL M2020 certified
Our In-Depth Review
Coming Q2 2021!
